Forbiddenly Bound To You
Chapter 122: The Home Coming

Chapter 122: The Home Coming

Inside the luxurious car, Mira, Little Zami, and Lily sat in the back seat while the chauffeur drove smoothly down the road. James occupied the front seat, glancing occasionally into the rearview mirror. Mira could hear the endless giggles from Little Zami and Lily, their playful exchange filling the space with warmth and lightheartedness. It was as though they were speaking a secret language, one Mira couldn’t quite understand. She was happy to see that Lily and her daughter were getting along so well, but a small, nagging curiosity lingered in her mind. What were they whispering about that made them laugh so much? The sound of their giggles seemed to carry a deeper connection, one that Mira wasn’t entirely a part of, and it left her feeling slightly left out.

James broke the silence, his voice drawing Mira’s attention. "Is something wrong?" he asked, noticing her puzzled expression in the rearview mirror.

"No, it’s just the way they giggle," Mira replied, her voice soft as she tried to make sense of what was going on. "It seems like nothing’s wrong, but... it’s like they’re excited about something. But what?"

Lily, sitting next to Little Zami, shook her head playfully, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she glanced at Zami. "Nope, nothing’s wrong, Mommy," she teased with a grin, giving her a knowing look before giggling again.

Mira raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Really? It doesn’t seem like nothing’s wrong. You two look like you’re up to something," she said, trying to keep her voice lighthearted.

Little Zami, her face alight with amusement, nodded vigorously. "Nope, nothing’s wrong, Mommy!" she said, flashing a mischievous grin at Lily.

Lily smiled back, her eyes dancing with playful energy as she winked at Little Zami. "Nothing’s wrong, Mimi," she reassured her with a gentle wink, using the nickname that Mira had always loved.

The sound of the nickname "Mimi" hit Mira’s heart like a wave of nostalgia. It had been a long time since Lily had called her that, and hearing it again made Mira feel as though the last five years had never happened. It was as though they were still the same as before, before everything had changed. She felt a small tear of emotion welling up in her eyes, but she quickly wiped it away, not wanting to seem vulnerable in front of them.

Still, Mira couldn’t shake her curiosity. She wanted to know what had made her daughter and Lily giggle so lovingly. But for now, she decided to let it go, allowing herself to enjoy the warmth of the moment without pressing for answers.

As the car sped along the familiar roads, Mira felt a strange sense of anticipation building in her chest. The car eventually pulled up to a large mansion, its grandeur immediately apparent as they approached. Mira’s heart skipped a beat, her body tensing as a strange wave of emotion washed over her. It had been five years since she had been here, and the memories flooded back in an instant. Both painful and happy, the recollections tumbled through her mind. She couldn’t help but smile weakly, a bittersweet tinge to her lips as the mansion loomed before them. She couldn’t believe how much this place still felt like home.

Little Zami’s voice broke through her thoughts, her excited tone pulling Mira back to the present. "Mommy, are we going to a museum?" she asked, her wide eyes reflecting the awe she felt at the sight of the mansion.

Mira chuckled softly, her heart swelling with affection for her daughter. "No, baby girl," she said, smiling down at Little Zami. "This isn’t a museum."

Little Zami’s eyes grew even wider as her smile broadened. "Really?" she asked, still in awe. "It’s so big, like a museum."

Mira laughed again, unable to suppress the joy she felt at Zami’s innocent perception. "I know, sweetheart, but it’s not a museum," she said, her voice tender. "It’s our home."

Little Zami paused for a moment, then nodded seriously. "I know, Mummy, so bwig and beautiful," she said, giggling at the way she had mispronounced her words, clearly entertained by her own mistake.

Mira and Lily shared a quiet laugh at Zami’s adorably confused observation. But Little Zami wasn’t done yet. "How many rooms does this museum have?" she asked, her eyes wide with wonder.

Mira smiled gently, her heart filled with warmth at her daughter’s innocent curiosity. "It’s not a museum, baby girl. It’s our home," she reiterated, laughing softly.

Little Zami, now thoroughly captivated by the mansion’s size, nodded seriously. "I know, Mommy, but it really looks like one!" she said, giggling again at how funny her words seemed to her.

As Mira looked at the mansion before them, she realized that her daughter’s awe was natural. Little Zami had always seen beautiful places while living with her great-grandfather, but this mansion was something entirely different. Its grandeur and beauty were beyond anything Little Zami had ever seen, and Mira couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in it. This place, despite all its grandeur, was home.

They finally stepped out of the car, and Mira took a deep breath, her gaze sweeping over the familiar driveway and manicured gardens. It was like walking back in time, only now, it felt different. She wasn’t sure whether it was because of the years that had passed or the fact that she had a daughter in tow, but everything seemed to carry more weight, more significance.

Lily, always the playful one, winked at Mira as she spoke. "I’m pretty sure Little Zami will see a cousin, or maybe even a little sister to play with."

Mira raised an eyebrow, rolling her eyes in mock disbelief. "How sure are you it’s a girl? Maybe it’s a boy?" she teased, her lips curving into a smile.

Lily shook her head in exaggerated disbelief. "No, it’s a girl. Remember, aunts are always right."

Mira chuckled, shaking her head with a playful expression. "Wrong observation. You’re not the aunt anymore; you’re the mom. So, aunts are great observers, huh?"

Lily shot her a playful look, her eyes twinkling. "Why are you stealing my words?" she asked with a grin.

Mira laughed as Little Zami giggled at the back-and-forth between the two women, though she had no idea what they were talking about. The sight of them looking so cute together was enough to make Mira laugh along, her heart feeling light for a brief moment.

Just as Mira was about to say something else, Little Zami suddenly started jumping up and down with excitement, her joy contagious. "Uncle James, this is so big!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement as she skipped over to him.

James, who had been quietly standing off to the side, smiled warmly at Little Zami as she approached. He bent down slightly to meet her gaze, patting her head with affection. "How old are you?" he asked, his voice filled with warmth.

Little Zami’s eyes sparkled as she proudly answered, "I’m five years old! I turned five recently. My mommy and daddy came for my birthday. My daddy surprised me on my birthday!"

James nodded with a grin. His eyes softened as he looked at the little girl, wishing she could know just how significant this meeting was. If only she knew that her meeting with Zemian wasn’t just coincidence—maybe it was fate bringing them back together. He shook his head, smiling to himself. "Are you ready for our big plan?"

Little Zami nodded enthusiastically, her excitement overflowing. "Cake! Cake! Cake!" she shouted, jumping up and down with glee.

James chuckled, a genuine smile on his face. "Yes, yes, I’ll make the cake," he said, his voice teasing. "But first, let’s get inside."

Meanwhile, Lily and Mira were deep in conversation, sharing a moment of quiet reflection as they walked toward the entrance.

"It’s been such a long time, and I’m so glad that you and James took such a big step," Mira said, smiling warmly at her friend. "I’m really proud of you."

Lily smiled back, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "It’s all thanks to you," she said softly. "Who knew fate could be so faithful to us? Because of you and everyone else, I met my wonderful, gorgeous husband."

Mira giggled at her friend’s sweetness. "Very soon, our mood swing mode will be turned on," she said with a wink, turning to Lily, who knew exactly what she was referring to.

But just then, a sudden panic struck the air. James came rushing toward them, his voice frantic and quick. "Miss Mira! Miss Mira! It’s about Little Zami... I can’t find her!"

Mira’s eyes widened in horror. Her body froze, and for a moment, it felt like her heart had stopped. The words felt like they were coming from a distance as fear gripped her. She couldn’t breathe. Her hands trembled slightly as she looked around.

Before anyone could react, Mira bolted toward the mansion, her fear propelling her forward. Every step felt heavier, her heart pounding in her chest as her mind raced. What had happened to her daughter?